Antipasto Platter

What is an Antipasto Platter? 

An antipasto platter is a type of Italian appetizer similar to a cheese board or charcuterie board. Typically, it features a variety of cured meats, cheese, marinated vegetables, and other snacks like olives, bread, and nuts. In Italian, the name "antipasto" translates to "before the meal." 

Really, the only difference between an Italian antipasto appetizer platter and other snack boards is that an antipasto platter emphasizes Italian foods. In my home, it has become a holiday staple. We serve it as a starter before special dishes like Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari and Italian Lasagna.  

What You Will Need

• Meats - I always include an assortment of prosciutto, regular or spicy salami, capicola, and thinly sliced sopressata, but any collection of Italian cured meats can be used. 
• Cheese - Again, I include several different cheeses, sticking with at least 2-3 options. Marinated mozzarella balls, provolone cheese, fontina, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Pecorino Romano are some of my favorite options. 
• Veggies - I use both fresh vegetables and marinated vegetables for different tastes and textures. Castelvetrano and marinated mixed olives (technically a fruit, but we're counting them), cherry peppers, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, and artichoke hearts are all tasty. 
• Carbs - Serve any crackers or bread to balance the board. I like to include sliced crostini, Italian breadsticks, and assorted crackers, like my Fresh Rosemary and Parmesan Crackers and Parmesan Puff Pastry Twists. 
• Extras - I use smaller items like fresh herbs as garnish and to fill in any gaps. Dried fruit and nuts also work well. 

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian - Skip the sliced cured meats and focus on a variety of cheeses, marinated vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts, and spreads. Roasted chickpeas, stuffed grape leaves, or extra crostini can add more substance.
• Themed - Tailor your platter to the occasion or season. Use heart-shaped cheese cutters for Valentine's Day, red and green ingredients for Christmas, or serve the board in a pumpkin-shaped layout for fall gatherings. Seasonal produce like persimmons, figs, or pomegranates in the fall and winter, and berries or melon in the summer, adds freshness and color, too. 
• For Kids - Offer mild cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Colby Jack, and swap spicy meats for turkey or ham. Cube the cheese, slice fruit into bite-sized pieces, and add fun items like pretzels, goldfish crackers, or mini sandwiches.

How to Build an Appetizer Antipasto Platter

Create structure - Arrange small ramekins or small bowls around your board, filling them with olives, marinated vegetables, and anything with juice or oil to prevent sogginess. 

Add meat - Roll or fold the sliced meats, and arrange them in clusters. 

Arrange the cheese - Place cheese wedges, cubes, or rounds in different corners of the board. 

Fill spaces - Add colorful elements like roasted peppers and artichokes to any gaps or holes. 

Incorporate carbs - Place the crostini, breadsticks, or crackers along the edges of the board. Or, fan them out near the dips and spreads. 

Garnish - Add fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, basil, or parsley for a pop of color and bright flavor. 

Serving Suggestions

• Board - A traditional wooden board looks beautiful, but you can also use a marble slab, slate tray, or even a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Quantities - Plan on about 3-4 ounces of combined meat and cheese per person if serving your antipasto platter as an appetizer. If it's the main feature, increase to 6-8 ounces per person. Add plenty of bread, crackers, and vegetables to balance out the richness.
• Temperature - For the best flavor, let cheeses and cured meats sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving. This enhances their texture and brings out the flavors.
• Drinks - Pair your antipasto platter with Italian wines (Chianti, Prosecco, Pinot Grigio), light beers, Italian Sangria, an Aperol Spritz, or sparkling water with lemon. For a non-alcoholic option, serve Homemade Italian Sodas or sparkling juices.

Amanda's Expert Tips

• Select items with strong and mild flavors and a variety of textures.
• Place items with liquid, such as olives or fruit spreads, in separate containers so they don't leak.
• Place bread, crackers, and baguettes on a tray or in a bowl to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Keep everything bite-sized and easy to grab. Pre-slice hard cheeses, fold or roll meats, and place juicy or oily items in ramekins to prevent mess. 
• Offer small forks, cocktail picks, spoons, and spreader knives so guests can serve themselves easily.
• Don't let the board sit out for longer than 2 hours to avoid spoilage. If it's a warm day, no more than 60-90 minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead - Everything can be prepared and set up on the board ahead of time. Wrap the board in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours ahead of time. When it's time to serve it, remove the plastic wrap and add the bread. 

Storage - If the board hasn't been sitting out at room temperature longer than 2 hours, leftover meats and cheeses can be wrapped up individually and stored in the refrigerator for eating later. If the board has been sitting out for 2 hours or longer, then it's best to discard the items.

More Appetizer Recipes

If you loved learning How to Make an Antipasto Platter, then make sure to try these appetizers, too! 

• Loaded Shredded Chicken Nachos - Baked nachos are loaded with all your favorite toppings! 
• Italian Flatbread Pizza - Made with a no-yeast dough, this homemade pizza is ready in under 30 minutes. 
• Italian Rice Balls - An Italian classic that's cheesy, meaty, and so comforting! 
• Baked Roast Beef Sliders - Sweet and savory sandwiches that are bite-sized and easy to make.